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Hi all, we moved into our self build with the basement still not complete and would like to finish it off. As cash is tight, I'm planning to do the work myself, so ideally would be looking at a solution that is possible for the experienced DIYer. The floors are currently rough screed over UFH and I need to decide how to complete the floor, ideally, before taking the project further. The rooms are: 1. A fitness studio. Ideally this would be a spring wood floor but I don't think this would work well with the UFH. My initial thought would be to pour an initial self leveling latex screed and then finish with either laminate or karndean, if funds and experience allow. 2. A den/cinema room. This is also rough screened with the added complexity that there are two large manholes in the room for the basement sump pumps. So I would have to create an access hatch for these,i guess. Again, I think that a laminate initially would privacy be easiest and cheapest here, but open to suggestions. You might see from the photos that the screed doesn't come up to the wall in many places but to insulation boards, and I'm not sure quite how to deal with these. Should the insulation be cut back level with the existing screed, or should I foam any gaps and bring the screed up to the level of the foam? One particular corner has an elevated concrete block, which is a bit of a pain Ideally I'd have a completely level floor for whatever surface goes on to of it. I'd love to hear any suggestions or experiences with something similar. I'm lacking in experience and confidence and don't really want to make an expensive blunder. Many thanks!!

I need to choose threshold strips in doorways for transitions between laminate to carpet, and laminate to vinyl. The laminate is 10mm - 2mm underlay plus 8mm tile. The vinyl will probably be 4mm, and the carpet 7-10mm including underlay. I am looking at these from Tile RIte, respectively, rather than simple Z-strips, to give me some adjustment: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B017DLKJ2M/ https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B017DLKNIC/ For this application I am not keen on wooden strips - I have managed to break two at home by tripping over them and this will be in a tenanted property. I do not think we have covered topic this so far. Any comments would be welcome. Ferdinand

I'm fitting Wunda UFH downstairs on top of an insulated screed with laminate boards on top throughout (did want engineered wood but don't have the cash!!). My question is what thickness of laminate will be ok? We have seen some in the colour and finish we like (we've looked at hundreds as we're really fussy!) but it is only 8mm rather than the 12mm we have previously assumed would be the minimum. We have some heavy furniture and an american fridge/freezer etc and I'm worried that 8mm laminate might be too flexible and the wunda boards will end up getting compessed under the heavy items. Any thoughts?

It's looking like I will get my kitchen units from DIY-kitchens. I've mapped out the design and like what they have available and their price is competitive. The only problem is that the main worktop run is a bit over 4m and the island is worthy of its name and too big for their standard sizes. I got a quote from Worktop express by emailing their fabrication department. They got back to me with the quote in a couple of days and it's very competitive. I was originally seduced by some flashy looking granite but kept getting drawn back to solid walnut and that's what I've got the quote for. I received my samples yesterday, too, and they are very lovely and go well with the door sample that I ordered from DIY-kitchens. Worktop express are certainly worth checking out.

We were set to buy engineered wood flooring and tiles for our ground floor when our builder told me his brother had laid Karndean flooring of “wood” and” tiles “ in his own house and he could not tell it from the real stuff. I have always thought “ pretend” flooring would never look like the real stuff. We also have UFH and been told Karndean is better than wood for this anyway. The wear layer on Karndean is only 0.4mm but it will never need re treating ( like wood) so with care will need no maintenance. A big dilemma for us, I would like to hear your opinions on this matter please folks ?.

Before considering which kitchen to fit, get a good, reputable kitchen firm or free-lance fitter to come and measure up. This will give you an idea for a basic layout, based on the size of your room, and your requirements / needs. That'll help you to stay focused when visiting the various showrooms, and ensure that you get the most out of your chosen kitchen supplier and chosen range of units etc. Ask your questions here, for impartial, free advice to help you make your decisions.